Study done confirms what we all know

[Robert]

America is no longer a democracy — never mind the democratic republic envisioned by Founding Fathers.

Rather, it has taken a turn down elitist lane and become a country led by a small dominant class comprised of powerful members who exert total control over the general population — an oligarchy, said a new study jointly conducted by Princeton and Northwestern universities.

One finding in the study: The U.S. government now represents the rich and powerful, not the average citizen, United Press International reported.

Read more: http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/apr/21/americas-oligarchy-not-democracy-or-republic-unive/#ixzz30BAL2ShV

Like its something we didn't already know given the present dictatorship of O. So how do we get the country back on track? Are we really willing to do it? Or do we let things roll? We all know absolute power corrupts absolutely so do you think anyone will do anything?

[Patrick]

Not sure about Northwestern, but, Princeton is one of the most liberal institutions this country has. 

Maybe this country will finally come to its senses, but, there is a big push to take it even farther left as the left becomes more embolden. Time will tell.

[Momz]

America is no longer a democracy — never mind the democratic republic envisioned by Founding Fathers.

Rather, it has taken a turn down elitist lane and become a country led by a small dominant class comprised of powerful members who exert total control over the general population — an oligarchy, said a new study jointly conducted by Princeton and Northwestern universities.

One finding in the study: The U.S. government now represents the rich and powerful, not the average citizen, United Press International reported.

I agree to a point.
But it's because Americans tend to want to be spoonfed and are sooo apathetic. Americans want "someone else" to do the things that require vigilance and are afraid to speak up.

I on the other hand, at times, go to a level that has landed me in jail and in front of many judges. But one needs to do the things that you are passionate about.

[fiddle mike]

Jul 20, 2013 - "America does not have a functioning democracy at this point in time," former President Jimmy Carter said this week...

[texaninsouthfl]

America is not and was never intended to be a democracy. Democracy is mob rule. The United States is a constitutional republic... a representative form of government with checks and balances.

[Pappy!]

America is not and was never intended to be a democracy. Democracy is mob rule. The United States is a constitutional republic... a representative form of government with checks and balances.

AMEN brother!!

[Romeo]

IMO, our representatives on both sides of the aisle are hand picked by the moneyed few. We get to vote for the folks they have already picked to represent them and their interests. The "problem" with a capitalist system that rewards and encourages striving to be monetarily successful is the fact that the folks that figure out a way to make the big bucks are also afforded an advantage when it comes to influencing the political class. Once they get that ball rolling, it gets harder and harder for the "less successful" folks to have their interests represented. Hence, the wealth of the nation becomes controlled by fewer and fewer people. It's human nature that they try to consolidate this power. If they have the long term good of the nation at heart, they will push legislation that truly has the common good at its core. If they worry only about themselves, then in time, the people will rise up.
I believe our system of government is by far the fairest system on earth, but it still depends on the "goodness" of the folks in power.
It seems to me, the way we fund our political campaigns is at the root of the problem. Here in Michigan we have a senator and a representative that happen to be brothers. They have been in politics since I was a child. I am now 60 years old. Nothing wrong with that on the face of it, but the bulk of the money they spend on campaigns comes from outside interests. Almost all of it comes from the east coast.
How an they possibly represent my interests? Sorry for rambling on.

[Rams]

While in college, I took several courses where surveys were done.    Results tabulated and conclusions derived.    What I really learned is how easy it is for researchers to get the results they hoped to get.    Want to present data to decision makers or the general populace?    Do a survey, ask the right questions in the right way.   

[FLAVALK]

While in college, I took several courses where surveys were done.    Results tabulated and conclusions derived.    What I really learned is how easy it is for researchers to get the results they hoped to get.    Want to present data to decision makers or the general populace?    Do a survey, ask the right questions in the right way.    

Yep. The current administration does it all the time. It works great with low information voters